Microsoft Lens has long been a reliable companion for users needing to scan documents, receipts, and business cards. However, with its impending integration into Copilot, many are left seeking alternatives. One such option that has emerged is PDFgear Scan, touted as a next-generation mobile scanning app that harnesses AI to enhance document processing.
Function over form
Upon launching PDFgear Scan, users are greeted not with an intrusive welcome screen, but rather a direct dive into its core functionalities. While this may leave newcomers feeling a bit disoriented, seasoned users will appreciate the straightforward approach. The app features a variety of scan modes and organizational tools, all navigated via a bottom bar that provides easy access to the home page, stored files, scanning tools, and settings.
However, customization options are limited. The settings menu allows for basic adjustments, such as theme and language, but lacks more advanced features like scan quality settings or preferred save directories. These enhancements could be valuable additions in future updates.
The scanning experience itself is commendable. In a test, the app successfully scanned an article from a secondary device, demonstrating impressive OCR performance even under challenging conditions, such as dark mode. The extracted text can be saved in various formats, including DOCX, although the lack of basic formatting options for Word documents is a missed opportunity.
A dream solution for receipt tracking
PDFgear Scan truly shines when it comes to receipt tracking. The app efficiently captures receipts, extracting key data such as totals, tax amounts, and merchant details. Users can verify or modify this information for accuracy, ensuring a reliable record of expenses. The app also offers a search function with filters, allowing users to categorize their purchases effectively.
While PDFgear Scan may not rival Adobe’s extensive PDF modification capabilities, it does allow for signature creation and basic editing tasks. Users can crop scans and apply filters, but a notable limitation arises when edited receipts are no longer recognized as such, potentially leading to confusion.
AI, or glorified document search?
The app’s AI feature, which includes a chatbot for querying scanned documents, adds an interesting layer. While it can pull basic details from lengthy documents, its accuracy can be questionable. For instance, when asked about refund policies based on a scanned receipt, the AI misinterpreted dates, highlighting the limitations of relying on generative AI for critical information.
Is PDFgear Scan the best Microsoft Lens replacement?
In summary, PDFgear Scan presents a solid alternative to Microsoft Lens, boasting a user-friendly interface and effective scanning capabilities. Its OCR performance is commendable, particularly for receipt management. However, it lacks the specialized features that Microsoft Lens offers, such as integration with other applications and advanced scanning options.
As Microsoft Lens transitions to a paid model, PDFgear Scan stands out as a free option without the burden of additional logins or paywalls. While it may not fully replace Lens for all users, it certainly provides a viable solution for those seeking a straightforward scanning app.
